Robin moved into Steps, our residential service in Rotherham, at 61. He had spent the previous 60 years of his life living at home with his mum. When his mum had to move into a nursing home due to deteriorating health issues, Robin was left living alone.
Thanks to the dedicated support team at Steps, they responded quickly and confidently to understand Robin’s needs and support a safe transition into his new home.
At first, Robin found it difficult to stay inside his new home for longer than a few minutes and would quickly dash outside. He suffered from crippling anxiety and was wary of everyone around him.
The support team gradually introduced Robin to his new home. Over time, they supported Robin to spend more time at Steps. As he became more comfortable in his new environment, he could stay longer. He started developing relationships with the other people living at Steps and his support team.
Eventually, Robin chose to move into Steps full time!
After only a few days of moving in, Robin asked the support team to cut his hair, which had become extremely overgrown. This was a major step for Robin, marking the start of his new independent life.
As the dedicated support team at Steps continued to understand Robin’s needs, it became clear he had lived a very restricted life. As a result, he was extremely anxious, struggled with his self-esteem and confidence, and had not visited a GP for many years.
To support Robin’s progress toward more independent living and build his confidence, the team, alongside local health care professionals, developed a personalised support plan to empower him to live his best life.
At first, Robin wouldn’t venture far from Steps. He would reluctantly visit the local shops with support to purchase treats for himself. As Robin developed relationships with his support workers, he began to relax around them, engage in conversation, and seek their reassurance.
Over time, Robin started joining outings further afield. He chose to go out with other people living at Steps and visit the town centre and the shopping mall, Meadowhall. He also enjoyed joining trips to bowling and to the cinema.
Eventually, Robin engaged with his support team independently, asking to go to a variety of attractions and take part in activities.
Although still very anxious, Robin felt empowered to push himself out of his comfort zone and started to experience a more fulfilling life.
A big milestone for Robin was visiting the GP for the first time in many years. After experiencing health problems, he felt reassured enough by his support team to agree to see a healthcare professional.
A few months after Robin moved into Steps, his mum sadly passed away.
The relationship the support team had developed with Robin helped him feel safe turning to them for care, reassurance, and help processing his feelings.
Robin was supported in attending his mum’s funeral to say his final goodbyes, which he managed well.
Robin continues to move forward with his life and achieves new goals every day.
Some of his recent achievements include going on holiday to Cleethorpes with one of his house mates, as well as going on a plane to Spain. In all his life, Robin had never experienced a holiday.
“Robin misses his mum dearly, but it’s safe to say he is making the most of his life now and striving for new dreams every day. Well done, Robin; we are very proud of you!”
Steps supports people with learning disabilities and other complex needs. We are a residential service with an ethos of family values and a passion for providing excellent support. We have a range of environments providing accommodation and 24-hour support.
If you would like to speak to our friendly referrals admin team, call us on 0333 305 0880 or email referrals@nationalcaregroup.com.
National Care Group is one of the UK’s leading adult social care providers. We support adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries, and autistic people, with services across England and Wales.
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